Lazy or stylish?

So are Manchester United stars getting lazy or is Louis van Gaal's passing game to blame?

Well, it is more likely to be the latter, given that the Old Trafford side are currently second in the league behind Manchester rivals City and a full 11 places ahead of the Merseysiders six games into the new campaign.

A lack of marathon men certainly hasn't held Louis van Gaal's side back so far this season.

By doing less running, it should also mean United's players are not only fresh towards the end of matches, but also towards the business end of the season.

No marathon men but does it Mata?

Van Gaal's insistence on playing a strict passing game means his players are running less, with the ball doing the work.

United's 3-2 victory over Southampton on Sunday was a case in point, with the Dutch boss claiming Juan Mata's goal after a 44-pass move was "confirmation of our philosophy" - as reported by the likes of the Independent.